Concerning Demonstrations[1]

Itseems to us that the writer of the letter raises the question rather
      too bluntly and underestimates the significance of organised
      demonstrations. We have as yet done little in this important matter, and
      our efforts must be concentrated mainly and primarily on organisation. As
      long as we

      Lacksolidly united revolutionary organisations capable of mustering several
      detachments of picked people to direct all aspects of a demonstration, so
      long will failures be inevitable. Once an organisation like that takes
      shape and gains strength in the process of work, through a number of
      experiences, then it (and it alone) will be able to decide the question as
      to when and how it is necessary to arm, and when and how arms should be
      used. This organisation will also have to give serious attention to the
      question of raising “the speed of mobilisation” (a very
      important circumstance quite rightfully emphasised by the writer of the
      letter), of increasing the number of active demonstrators, training
      marshals for demonstrations, extending agitation among the masses, drawing
      “the crowd of onlookers” “into the work,” and of
      “corrupting” the troops. Precisely because a step like the
      transition to armed street fighting is a “tough” one and
      because it is “inevitable, sooner or later,” it can and should be
      taken only by a strong revolutionary organisation whichdirectlyleads the movement.

[1]“Concerning Demonstrations”is Lenin’s reply to a
      letter from a St.  Petersburg University student about the editorial
      article, “What Is to Be Done?” printed on September 15, 1902, inIskra, No. 25.  The manuscript has no heading. The present
      heading has been provided by the Institute of Marxism-Leninism of the
      Central Committee of the C.P.S.U.